$0 mg frienb anb netg^Sor, ^^omaB QR. ^mifB 
of HTeBt^oinf, Cafatjerae Coimfg, Caftfonua, 
t»3oBe BucceBB ill ^orttcufhtraf yurBuifB mabe 
for 3imBeff anb famifg a Beautifuf 13ome. atib :pro? 
t)ibeb if t»it3 a t»eaff 3 of :probucfB from (Jtahtre'B 
Bfore ^ouBt of nufB, fr uif an"^ ffotjjerB,— an er' 
atYHjfe for euerg 6ome fotjer,— 13^ tncenfiue fo mg 
t»or§ infills fine,— as a io^cn of eefeem, f^is 
fifffe tjofume is ree^pecffuffg bebicafeb. 



5%i> WALNUT 



ILLUSTRATED 



A Comprehensive Treatise on 
How to Grow It 



^ 



¥ 



By E/M. PRICE 

Westpoint, Calaveras County 
California 




1910 

THE JOS. M. ANDERSON CO.. PUBLISHERS 

416 J STREET, SACRAMENTO 

CALIFORNIA 



c^: 



6\ 



^'\ 



©CIA275753 




E. M.PRICE 



CONTENTS 



The Walnut. History 11 

Juglans Californica, Watson 14 

Great Demand for Walnuts 18 

How to Prepare Nuts for Planting -18 

Mystery of Plant Life. Experiments ---.21 

How to Prepare the Land for Planting 24 

Irrigation 28 

Neither Root-Graft Nor Remove a Grafted Tree 30 

Varieties and Selection of Scions 30 

Fertilire Imperfect Trees 32 

Cover Crops ---34 

Crossing 35 

Stock Improvement 36 

When to Cut Scions- - 37 

The Splice Graft 38 

The Cleft Graft - 42 

Graft Old Trees by the Cleft Method 47 

Bark Grafting A8 

Side Graft 48 

Saddle Graft : -50 

Budding - 52 

The Slip Bud 53 

Half Ring Bud .54 

Ring Bud - 56 

Train Your Grafts -..56 

Mingle Varieties in Grafting... 58 

Do Not Graft Young Trees 58 

Pruning 60 

Bearing Qualities 63 

Harvesting — Bleaching . .64 

Value for Timber 65 

Value of Nuts - 65 

The Analysis of the Walnut 66 

Grafting Wax Formula 68 

[7 ] 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



Growth of Graft in One Year on California Black 15 

Walnut for Planting — Sprouting Nut 19 

First Year's Growth of Graft on Four Year CId 

California Black 27 

Second Year's Growth of Graft Showing Nuts 29 

One Year's Growth on Four Year Old California Black 31 

Staminate and Pistillate Bloom 33 

Splice Graft 39 

Method of Inserting the Scions 41 

View Showing the Scions Waxed and Bound A3 

Graft on Large Stump 49 

Saddle Graft 51 

The Slip Bud 55 

Half Ring Bud 57 

Ring Bud 59-61 

Mayette Nut, Hubbard Nut, Frsnquette Nut, Cal::vette 

Nut 71 



[ «] 



PREFACE 




HIS treatise is based upon the experience 
of twenty years, in walnut culture, in 
the Sierras, — elevation nearly three 
f y^ thousand feet, — at Westpoint, Calave- 

\(3\ ^^^ County, California. Had we pos- 
^ sessed at the beginning of our work 

with the walnut the information to be 
obtained in this text-book, Ave could 
have accomplished more in eight 
years than we have in the twenty. That others 
who wish to engage in growing walnuts, may profit 
by our experience and thereby save years of valu- 
able time and labor, is our reason for offering to the 
public this volume. The walnut industry in our 
country has only begun. With proper stock treated 
on scientific lines, it in time would respond in every 
state of the Union. When a variety of the Persian 
walnut will bloom the first of June and ripen a fine 
flavored nut in the early fall, we have only to get 
hardy stock and that walnut can soon be grown 
from the state of Washington to INIaine. 

Suppose the highways of the nation — roads and 
railroads — were bordered by rows of stately walnut 



[ 9] 



PREFA CE 



trees, how jDleasant the ride thru them, either in 
automobiles, or on the cars. What wealth these 
millions of trees, when ripe, would add to the do- 
main. 

Besides the beaut}^ of landscape ; who can esti- 
mate their value? Again, what aid to the great 
work of conservation it would give. 




''T^^^^fT^i^-^^'—'^^- 






[ 10] 



The Walnut 



" ^apip^ i^e one t»3o efubging (Jta^ure'B fatwB, 
from Snofwn effecfe can ft ace f^e Becret cause." 

ALNUT — Jugians — name from J o v i s 
gians — ^The nut of Jove or Jupiter. Be- 
cause of its value to the people of that 
early age it was called "The food of 
the gods." 

Whether the different varieties found 
in various lands had a common origin 
we do not know. Trees centuries old 
grew in America, before the days of 
Columbus. The testimony from glacial drift in 
Ohio, Indiana and Illinois gives indisputable evi- 
dence, that forests containing red-cedar, beech, syca- 
more, hickory and the walnut grew thruout this 
vast section and were buried during the "Age of 
Ice." So, thruout the great Mississippi Valley, the 
walnut grew thousands of years before the pyramids 
rose on the banks of the Nile, or the mythical deity 
for whom it was named — Jove — Jupiter — had his 
origin in the fables of men. Doubtless all kinds 




[ tl ] 



THE WALNUT 



moved southward, growing, bearing seed, propagat- 
ing their species during the ravages of the Ice-King, 
returning only wdien his reign was broken and cli- 
matic conditioiLS necessary to their growth returned. 

The writer has frequently examined wood frag- 
ments from glacial drift in Indiana and Illinois. See 
Our Planet by Gunning, page 172. 

The commercial walnut — commonly called Eng- 
lish — was brought originally from Asia (Persia) and 
cultivated thruout the ^Mediterranean countries for 
centuries. It was early taken to England. By 
some authorities — in 1he days of the Romans. 
From England it was brought to America, hence the 
name English Walnut. 

In France (Gaul) it was called Gaul nut and 
probably the name walnut is an English corruption. 

John Evelyn, in his ''Sylva" (1664), says: '^n 
Burgundy walnut trees abound where they stand in 
the meadows of goodly land sixty feet, and a hun- 
dred feet apart." 

Of the walnut in Germany he says: "Whenever 
they fell a tree which is only the old decayed, they 
always plant a young one near him." He tells of a 
custom which would be well for us to heed. No 
young farmer can marry until he has grown a stated 
number of w^alnut trees. Think of the benefit such 



[ 12 ] 



THE WALNUT 



a custom would eventually yield. We have been the 
greatest vandals in the destruction of the finest and 
most valuable forests the earth has produced. We 
have sown to the winds and unless we soon check 
the waste and begin a sensible, practical sj^stem of 
reforesting, we shall ere long reap the whirlwind. 

We may learn a useful lesson from a study of 
other lands. China, is a field for thought. Pales- 
tine once a land of milk and honey — but when 
her forests disappeared, became a desert waste. 

The walnut lives and bears nuts for centuries. 

A tree estimated to be one thousand years old 
in the Crimea near Balaklava bears annually from 
eighty to one hundred thousand nuts ; two thou- 
sand lbs. or more. The estimate in lbs. being based 
on the weight of nuts in California orchards. 

Information given by an Italian neighbor, that 
in his native village in Italy is a walnut tree over 
six hundred years old, which bears a bounteous nut 
crop annually. 

An English walnut tree on the Morris Estate on 
Manhattan Island bore choice nuts for more than a 
century. Washington made his headquarters at the 
Morris mansion after his escape from the British on 
Long Island and doubtless ate of the nuts from that 
tree. 

[ 13] 



THE WALNUT 



Reports say it bore two cartloads of nuts annu- 
ally. The land becoming too valuable to sustain 
only an old historic tree, it was destroyed in 1894 
or 1895. 

Juglans Californica, Watson 

Another variety of the walnut family found only 
in California, and long' considered of little value, 
simply addino- one more to the list of edible nuts. 
But nut growers in California are lieginning to real- 
ize that for stock purposes, it has no equal ; and 
thousands of trees are now^ being grafted annually. 
It readily withstands the heat of the hot valleys oi 
the Pacific Coast. It will also resist a great degree 
of cold. 

Examine and compare the bark structure of 
the California variety with that of the Eastern 
black. If the two had a common origin, then the 
parting of their ways was in the distant past. It 
has taken centuries to produce this difference. The 
California is the better tree to resist heat, hence for 
this reason it is likewise the better to resist cold. 

Majestic specimen of this walnut can be seen 
along the Sacramento River at various landings 
from Walnut Grove to Sacramento City, also some in 

[ 14] 




Growth of Graft in One Year on California Black. 



THE WALNUT 



the upper Sacramento Valley at Cliico from three to 
five feet in diameter. The trees at the latter place 
were planted by the late John Bidwell in 1862. We 
were informed by residents of Chico that occasion- 
ally during hot periods in summer the temperature 
is 115 Fahrenheit. 

It flourishes in the Sierras at four thousand feet 
elevation and is not injured by the cold and snows 
of winter. It thrives best in deep moist alluvial 
soil. Yet, it is a wonderful tree, and seems to have 
retained every characteristic given it by its environ- 
ment thru the ages of change and wanderings. It 
will grow wherever the oak can exist. 

For twenty years we have studied its growth at 
three thousand feet elevation in the Sierras together 
with the Eastern black. And in similar soil and 
culture, it grew to twice the diameter of the latter. 
As a sap producer it is a wonder, and herein is its 
value for stock purposes. Owing to this quality, it 
can be more easily grafted than other varieties. 

The illustration was made from a photo of a Cali- 
fornia black walnut, twenty years old, and twenty 
inches in diameter below the fork. 

It was grafted to the Franquette April 5, 1908 ; 
and the photo was taken June 1, 1909. 



[ 16] 



JUGLANS CALIFORNICA, WATSON 



Thirty scions were set into the branches of the 
tree, twenty-five of them growing and making the 
top as shown within the period of time given., This 
tree is in the orchard of the writer, at Westpoint, 
Calaveras Connty, California. 

If nnts are taken from trees growing in the cold- 
est sections, either of elevation or greatest latitude 
where it is grown, and planted thrnoiit the Eastern 
States, we believe this species would soon become 
acclimated to our coldest sections, and in time grown 
anywhere thruout the United States. We had very 
little difficulty in getting good results in grafting 
the Franquette, Mayette and Calavette varieties into 
the California black at an elevation of three thou- 
sand feet in the Sierras. True, some of the limbs 
froze back some four or five inches at the ends the 
first winter. But an early severe pruning — taking 
out all the frosted wood, restored the grafts and the 
growth the second year was truly phenomenal. The 
yearly growth has not since been injured; altho the 
winter of 1909 and '10, was the coldest California has 
experienced for many years. The reason the tender 
Persian varieties are so readily acclimated is in the 
vigor of the California stock. The fluids coursing 
upward thru the cells of the tree partake of this 
vitality, and the new growth is soon enabled to over- 
come every obstacle. 

[ 17 ] 



THE WALNUT 



Great Demand for Walnuts 

California pr'odnces about half of the walnuts 
grown in the United States, and our imports equal 
our prodiucts. As an article of food it is growing 
into favor, hence the supply does not keep pace 
with the demand. The crop of the United States 
for 1909 was nearly twelve thousand tons, California 
producing about half. Suppose our imports equalled 
our production, we would then have had forty-eight 
million lbs., about one-half lb. for each inhabitant. 

Is it not time lliat the cultivation of the walnut 
was receiving greater attention? How to grow it 
is the mission of this handbook. 

How to Prepare Nuts for Planting 

"Countless forests slumbered in a shell." 
Mother Nature, ever alert to care for her off- 
spring, has carefully stored away into the protect- 
ing shell of the nut a germ of life which may be 
made to grow into a tree, a "Thing of beauty, a joy 
forever," which gives shade, comfort, and food to 
men. 

In growing walnuts for commercial purpose, the 
California black is the best root stock known. It 
is very hardy, makes rapid growth, thrives under 

[ 18 I 




Walnut for Planting — Sprouting Nut. 



THE WA LNUT 



cultivation in any locality, hot or cold, moist or dry, 
and is the easiest to get results in grafting. This 
species is very prolific, hence anj^ variety of the Per- 
sian nut grafted into it readily responds with boun- 
teous crops; the nuts being larger and richer in oil 
and flavor than when grown on their native root. 

On several occasions we made a test of the num- 
ber of nuts to make a lb. grown on a seedling Scro- 
ti n a tree and a California, grafted with scions taken 
from this same tree. It took forty-two nuts from 
the mother and thirty-six from the grafted tree. 
The nuts were not selected, but picked up as they 
fell from the trees. 

Select choice nuts from vigorous prolific trees. 
Put six inches of sand into a box, and lay nuts over 
1he sand. Cover the nuts with two inches of sand 
and leave the box stand out in the winter rains. 

Do not at any time permit the nuts to become 
dry. The germ lies in the blossom end of the nut, 
and the shell opens at this end when the nut sprouts. 
Usually the nut is laid on the side so a vertical line 
would pass thru th(^ shell when opening. 



[20] 



THE WALNUT 



Mystery of Plant Life Experiments 

A knowledge of plant life being very essential 
to success, a good opportunity is now offered to 
make some valuable experiments. Under the influ- 
ence of warmth and moisture germination begins. 
The radicle or tap root first appears and grows 
downward. With a sharp knife cut the point of the 
radicle of several of the nuts and put them into 
another box of sand to study from time to time 
their growth. The taproot grows several inches in 
length before the stalk starts. The point from which 
each part starts is the crown of the tree. Watching 
the plants for a few days, tiny stalks will be observed 
reaching upward for air and sunshine. Between the 
pair of unfolding leaves a bud (plumule) reaches 
upward and lengthens the stalk. Break off the 
stalk at the first pair of leaves and watch the result. 

As observed in the taproot the various laterals 
branch out from the point where it was cut up to 
the crown; likewise other leaf buds will unfold 
from the point where broken down to the crown, to 
give other stalks to the tree. 

Secure a microscope of sufficient power fo show 
the cell and cell structure of the plant. Cut off the 
taproot near to the crown, and with a razor cut off 

[ 21 ] 



THE WALNUT 



as thin a portion of the rootlet as possible. Examine 
this nnder the microscope. Behold the great inimber 
of tnbes thru which the sap ascends. Examine like- 
wise a portion of the stalk cut off above the crown. 
Study the leaf, — its cell and structure — the lungs of 
the tree, which extracts nitrogen from the atmos- 
phere and throws out as vapor tons of water. The 
query is how this water which holds in solution the 
substances necessary to the growth and development 
of the tree, depositing them in its journey, rises up 
thru the cells of bark, cambium and alburnum, from 
the millions of tiny microscopic mouths on its root- 
lets to the topmost bud and leaf. We realize that 
this silent force is powerful ; but from whence that 
power and how applied is not thoroly understood. 
One suggests osmose of liquids, another capillarity, 
and still another hydraulics. Maybe all these forces 
unite to build the stately columns in our forests, as 
when we ride on the electric car forty or fifty miles 
per hour and, think of the propelling force — only 
gravity carries us so speedily ; — the weight of falling 
water transmitted thru the electric wire. Yet the 
force w^hich lifted the water and bore it to the sum- 
mit of the mountains was greater, tho only a sun- 
beam. This is the force which gives motion to gla- 
ciers, and chiseled out the canyons of the world. 



[22 ] 



MYSTERY OF PLANT LIFE EXPERIMENTS 

Maybe each plant cell is an electron and the sun- 
beam playing with every leaf sends this silent force 
down thru every cell of the tree and lifts the water 
that the leaves daily give to the atmosphere.* 

Continue these experiments until a knowledge 
of the cell and its structure has been acquired ; also 
of the rootlets until the microscopic mouths which 
drink sustenance from the soil have been seen. 
These collapse when they come in contact with the 
air, then no power of the microscope can show them. 

They must be examined in water during the sea- 
son of vigorous growth to be visible. They disap- 
pear from the rootlets, as the leaves do from the 
tree, when the annual season for growth has passed. 



*In early springtime, tlie sun tlirows tlie influence of its 
heat rays around and into every "cell and fibre of the tree. All 
expand and this silent force reaches far out from the crown, 
and deep into the earth until every pore on each, and every 
rootlet has opened to admit the moisture held in the soil. Tlie 
expanded cells draw in a flood of water until the heat with- 
in them is neutralized; then contraction is the result, and the 
sap rises rapidly into the trunk and branches of the tree. Again 
another quiver of the sun's arrows penetrates the cells, and 
another flood rises to give life and verdure; when another simi- 
lar contraction repeats the throb; like the diastole and systole 
of the heart, which sends the life blood coursing- thru our 
arteries and veins; — and this crimson tide is too propelled by 
radiant energy. So, Nature's simple work in the tree goes on. 
The line between the cells of bark and alburnum opens by 
osmotic force, and the new cambium forms, and repeats the 
work of the previous year. The millions of little mouths upon 
the rootlets grow to take in more readily a greater supply of 
liquid; while buds upon the twigs expand and soon burst into 
leaf and bloom. If tlie sun's rays transmitted thru vast masses 
of ice give motion to a glacier, which grinds the hardest rock 
into slime, soil, dust, is it not reasonable to suppose that this 
same force— ig-noring- the law of g-ravitation— builds the g-iant 
columns in our forests? 



[23 ] 



THE WALNUT 



In early springtime, new mouths must grow on each 
and every rootlet, before the young buds expand 
and open under the influence of the sunbeam. Some 
buds are not so susceptible to this influence as 
others. All late blooming varieties as the Mayette, 
Franquette, St. John, and Chicoette must be courted 
by the sunshine long after the earlier varieties are 
in full bloom and leaf. 

Hence, among the trees to show green foliage 
late in springtime we look for our hardy varieties 
for the cold climate. The power to resist the sun's 
raj^s rests in the bud, and those that resist heat, 
likewise are the best to resist cold. Graft a scion 
from the late St. John into the early blooming Prae- 
parturien and the period of bloom has not been 
changed. Again graft an early variety into the late 
stock and it continues to bloom as usual. Read 
in connection with these expernnents some late 
standard text-book on botany. The work will be 
more interesting and successful from the knowledge 
acquired. 

How to Prepare the Land 

Prepare the land by thoroly cultivating it, plow- 
ing very deep along the line where the trees are to 
be planted. Stake it off either in squares or diago- 
nals so the trees will be not less than sixty feet apart. 



[24] 



HOW TO PREPARE THE LAND 

With a long handled post digger sink a hole not less 
than four feet deep, where each tree is to be planted. 
The deeper the hole and greater the diameter the 
better. Fill these holes with rich earth surface loam 
and some crushed bones if possible to secure them. 
Always avoid manure either green or decayed. 

When the nuts begin to sprout plant one in each 
hole, heaping up the dirt slightly so the planted nut 
will lie at about the surface level. 

If the soil is shallow, i. e., bedrock within four 
or five feet of the surface, cut off the point of the tap 
root. If the land contains much clay, considerable 
sand should be mixed in the topsoil with which the 
hole is filled. Cultivate as you would a field of 
corn. Plant corn, potatoes, melons, tomatoes, beans 
or sow to alfalfa, leaving at least eight feet on each 
side of the trees for 'cultivation. After three or four 
years give more space for cultivation. The roots 
of trees reach out faster than the limbs : hence, the 
small rootlets enmesh long before the limbs inter- 
mingle. Walnuts do not yield good crops and 
some varieties have ceased to bear after their 
roots have mingled. This is the principal reason 
why trees should be set never less than sixty feet 
apart. Planted as directed, they will grow vigorous- 
ly, some attaining a height of three to five feet in 

[25] 



THE WALNUT 



a single season. Should the tops of some of 
the trees be accidentally broken off, as sometimes 
happens, they can still be made good trees by cutting 
off all the lower branches, leaving the one nearest 
the break, which will shoot up and become a new 
top. When the tree is ready to graft, it should be 
cut back to a height of from four to five feet. Here 
the scion is inserted, and there should be no branches 
below this point. 

The fourth year after planting is the proper time 
to do this work. It is better to wait until then, even 
if they appear to be large enough at an earlier time. 
Nothing will be gained by grafting when the tree 
has been growing less than four years. 

The accompanying illustrations are from photos 
giving two views of the same tree. The first shows 
the growth of the graft set the 11th of April, 1908, 
and the view taken the 1st of October. The second 
view was taken in October, 1909. The tree bore 
five lbs. of nuts that year. This is neither phe- 
nomenal nor exceptional. It only emphasizes the 
correct method of propagating the walnut. 

A year's cultivating can be saved by planting in 
a nursery and then transplanting when the trees are 
about a year old. This transplanting should be done 
at the proper season for such work in the part of 



[26 ] 





i^HiiA^ 


^ 


■i 




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> 


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al A... i?«ifc-^^ 






■ Tifl^ 


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^H-^1 


} 



First Year's Growth of Graft on Four Year Old 
California Black. 



THE WALNUT 



the country where it is being carried on. Every 
little rootlet should be preserved and the hole should 
be of sufficient size to give the roots plenty of room. 

Irrigation 

In some sections it is necessary to irrigate the 
young trees. If this is done by flowing the water 
around them, do not fail to cultivate before a crust 
forms. Water soaking into the earth makes a com- 
plete system of pores, and evaporation is very great, 
if these be not broken up, by thoroly pulverizing 
the surface. If floAving water cannot be obtained, 
tiling four inches in diameter and fifteen inches 
long may be set, one piece near each tree, the top 
being on a level with the surface. Fill these oc- 
casionally by hauling water and cover to prevent 
evaporation. 

A substitute for tiling may be made of pieces 
of boards three and five inches wide, and of de- 
sired length. These give an opening for water three 
bv three inches in the clear. 



[ 28] 




Second Year's Growth of Graft, Showing Nuts. 



THE WALNUT 



Neither Root-Graft nor Remove a 
Grafted Tree 

The California stalk is just as necessary to a 
successfnl tree as the California root. It has never 
been known to be susceptible to borers, blight or sun 
scald, when allowed to grow where planted. Only 
the transplanted trees sunburn. Give this method 
of tree culture a trial and be convinced. Result, a 
fine nut orchard coming into bearing the sixth year, 
developing rapidly thereafter. 

Varieties and Selection of Scions 

In selecting varieties for grafting, know the lo- 
cality.' If subject to late spring frosts, choose late 
l)l()oming varieties, as the Franquette, IMayette, etc. 

Select scions from choice bearing trees, and from 
the most prolific limbs. Remember that environment 
has as much to do in shaping the destiny of a tree 
as it has in the child. Even from prolific bearing 
trees there are limbs from which scions should never 
be used. Nature is not perfect. Water sprouts from 
the bodies of trees usually make good grow^th. Never 
use them. True, they grow, are covered with leaf 
buds, but they rarely bear nuts. Their growth on 

[ 30] 




One Year's Growth on Four Year Old California Black. 



THE WALNUT 



the tree was simply a relief from a copious sap flow, 
and to furnish more leaf surface to give nitrogen to 
the tree. Select scions from two year old wood. 
The last buds formed the previous year were princi- 
pally fruit buds ; use these. The wood is firm and 
buds respond readily. Be careful to select scions 
from perfect trees, i. e., trees that bear both stami- 
nate and pistillate bloom, which mature together. 
Many trees bear both kinds but the bloom does not 
mature properly. Catkins often shed the pollen 
long before the pistillate bloom is ready to be fertil- 
ized, hence nut failure. Avoid such trees in select- 
ing scions. 

Fertilize Imperfect Trees 

Should trees as above described be found, select 
ripened catkins and scatter the i:)ollen over them, 
when the pistils are ready to receive it. A fair nut 
crop may be taken from such imperfect trees, be- 
sides Nature is stimulated in correcting her faults. 
Some trees are thus brought to a perfect state, while 
others can only be made valuable by grafting. In 
an orchard of two hundred and fifty trees, but few 
were perfect. The greater number had to be grafted. 
Some bore nuts the third year, the bloom being fer- 
tilized by near-by catkin bearing trees. Yet some trees 



[32] 




Staminate and Pitstillate Bloom. 



THE WALNUT 



did not bear catkins nntil the fifteenth year ; bearing 
however, a few scattered nnts after the ninth. 
Do not expect any returns under ten or twelve years 
from an orchard of seedling trees. Some choice 
varieties of fine nuts may be obtained, but years 
must be sacrificed to do it. Quick returns are de- 
sired, therefore plant the California black nut, graft- 
ing the tree the fourth year; using perfect prolific 
stock. Trees will commence bearing the sixth year. 
It does not require any great amount of skill to do 
the work. Skill comes with practice. Know how, 
then do. Success will equal the interest taken in 
and the thought given the work. 

Cover Crops 

If an orchard be located on rolling ground — as 
all mountain orchards are liable to be, — cover crops 
should be sown in early fall. They not only replen- 
ish the soil but protect it from washing away dur- 
ing the heavy storms of winter. Rye is excellent 
for this purpose. It withstands cold weather, makes 
good growth, and a fine crop of fertilizer is usually 
turned under in the spring cultivation. Peas are 
also excellent. 



[ 34] 



THE WALNUT 



Crossing 

If new varieties are desired, plant the choicest 
nnts from any perfect tree; let them g'row two years 
in the nursery; then graft a scion from this yonng 
growth into a choice bearing tree. Doubtless pistil- 
late bloom w411 be observed on this scion the second 
year after grafting. This bloom will become fertil- 
ized by pollen from the foster parent. The resulting 
nut will indicate the new strain. This nut thus pro- 
duced by cross fertilizing, if planted will produce a 
hybrid tree. Hybrids are new varieties obtained by 
crossing old varieties of different kinds or even spe- 
cies of trees. This crossing takes place in the bloom, 
by the winds blowing, or the bees carrying the pol- 
len of the staminate bloom of one tree to the pistil- 
late blossom of another. 

Cross fertilization, plus environment have given 
the great variety of nuts, fruit and flowers we en- 
joy. Mother Nature has been working on this line 
for ages. The honey bees have been the friends of 
men in cross-fertilizing trees and plants. 

Luther Burbank has given many wonderful crea- 
tions of nuts, fruit and flowers to gladden the eye, 
and to add to the wealth of the world. He is the 
great leader in this line. As said of Franklin, '^He 
tore the lightning from the sky and the scepter from 



[ 35] 



THE WALNUT 



tyrants/' making' possible the achievements of Edi- 
son. So, Bnrbank gieaning the secrets of variety 
and environment from Natnre, has enlightened the 
world and made possible the horticnltnral Edisons 
of the future. He is loved in other lands than ours. 
It Ls said that if his name be mentioned before a 
German audience, every person will rise and bow 
with respect. 

Esteem is the meed due his genius from the liv- 
ing. The future will rear monuments to his memory. 
Yet in our humble opinion his greatest achievement 
is not in the material things he has accomplished, 
but in the inspiration he has given to the thousands 
of people in all lands who are taking up this kind 
of work. Were it possible for the 'Svar drum to 
throb no more," and for individual selfishness to be 
banished from the earth, what a glorious future 
would be ])efore the human race ! 



Stock Improvement 

The stock should be bred up by taking the best 
scions from the most prolific branches, and when 
these are bearing, again select the best from this 
selected stock and note the imprcn^ement in mits or 
fruit. 

[ 36 ] 



STOCK IMPROVEMENT 



By grafting we are supposed to keep strains 
pure ; but such superior fruit can be obtained, that 
the strain appears to have developed into a new 
variety. Such superior specimen are usually desig- 
nated "Sports." 

As a rule, from sparse bearing trees we get our 
choicest nuts. Such trees can be improved by se- 
verely trimming them. "Be fruitful and multiply." 
"Bear seed and continue your species," is the fiat 
of Nature. 

The tree severely pruned concentrates its great 
sap flow into the few remaining branches and they 
bend beneath a crop of nuts exceeding one's expec- 
tation. These nuts are superior in vitality. Plant 
them and propagate by grafting and note the im- 
provement. Again select scions from the limbs of 
the pruned tree that bore the extra nuts, grafting 
these into other trees and note the results. 



When to Cut Scions 

After the yearly growth of wood has thoroly 
matured, in early winter, scions should be cut and 
the ends where severed dipped into melted wax, 
then put away into a box of cold moist sand and set 
in a cool cellar. They will keep thus for three or 

[37 ] - 



THE WALNUT 



four months. When taken out in the early spring- 
lime to be used in grafting-, they shoukl always be 
kept moist and cool. 

The Splice Graft 

The splice graft, when stock and scion are of 
the same size, is the best method. It unites the entire 
cambiums of both, and is the easiest to make. Sever 
the stock at the point where you wish to make the 
graft, in a slanting cut forming an ellipse, the long 
diameter being about two inches in stock, one-half 
inch in diameter. Select a scion the same size, con- 
taining two good buds. Cut the scion to correspond 
to the stock, leaving the lower bud midway and op- 
posite the cut. Insert into Ihe pith cavity of the 
stock a toothpick made of tirm wood, and force it 
down about one-third its length. 

Force the exposed end into the pith cavity of 
the scion, forcing the two together until the cam- 
biums unite. The pith cavity performs its function 
in the plant the first year. There is neither life nor 
circulation in it afterward. The tree is not injured 
and the union is the stronger. Parts are kept from 
moving while being bound, and are not so easily 
broken when the bandage has l)een removed. Wrap 
with strips of waxed nuislin, or bind with rafia. 



[38 ] 




Solice Graft. 



THE WALNUT 



Rubber bands bold the parts siifiPiciently firm, and 
give no further care, as they readily stretch under 
growth. Be careful to leave the bud exposed when 
wrapping. Cover the union and the end of the scion 
well with warm or melted wax put on with a small 
paint brush. The wax should not be applied too 
hot. The graft should be kept well covered with 
wax to exclude the air. If the wax is too hard it 
checks easily and permits the air to injure the scion ; 
and if too soft it melts during warm days. Go over 
the grafts with brush and warm wax occasionally. 

After the scion has commenced to grow, cut the 
bandage on the opposite side from the bud, using 
a sharp knife and cutting thru to the bark. Do not 
remove the bandage until the scion is making good 
growth. 

The time for growth to appear varies much in the 
different varieties of the Persian walnut. The early 
blooming kinds may show swelling buds in two 
weeks ; while six weeks may elapse before any signs 
of growth appear in the later varieties. A w^arm 
early spring starts the growth soon, while cool 
weather retards it. In some parts of California 
work may begin in January and continue until 
June. The first work might show no sign of swell- 
ing bud before April, and the last show growth 
within a week. 

[40] 




Method of Inserting the Scions. 



THE WALNUT 



* The Cleft Graft 

The cleft is the method generally used, but when 
performed by splitting the limb and inserting the 
wedge-shaped scion best results are not obtained. 
The walnut, peach and even the cherry, when graft- 
ed late in the springtime, fail to respond by the 
above method. 

If the operator, after making the cleft, would 
cut out a portion of the wood, thiLS opening up a 
greater number of the sap cells, he would be more 
successful. When the limb is split the rough bark 
prevents a good union. The cells are simply bent 
aside ; but few are broken, hence scions are usually 
starved and make poor progress, should they grow. 

Prepare the tree by cutting off all the limbs to 
be grafted. First cut on the under side of leaning 
limbs until the saw is ''pinched," then cut the bark 
around the limb before sawing it off. 

This prevents the bark from stripping down 
w^hen the branch falls. Leave a limb on the south- 
west to shade and protect the young grafts from 
heat. Make a cut with a ripsaw toward the center 
or pith cavity of the limb, and down the side about 
two inches. If the limb is small you may have to 



*Metliod successfully used in grafting old trees, by the 
Tribble Brothers of Elk Grove, Sacramento County, California. 



[42 ] 




View Showing tlie Scions Waxed and iound. 



THE WALNUT 



cut thru this cavity. Give no heed to it whatever, 
siuce it is dead, the work will not be injured in the 
least by so doing'. If large scions are used, cut out 
the V-shaped cleft with the saw and smooth the sides 
with the knife. When the scions are small, shape 
the cleft with the knife after the first cut with the 
saw. Shaping the cleft properly is very important. 
Cut the top of the cleft in width to equal the diam- 
eter of the scion. Every motion of the knife should 
cut toward the pith cavity of the stock. Shape the 
scion to fit this cavity along the cambiums on each 
side; also the wood of the scion should fit firmly in 
the wood of the stock. The circulation is not alone 
in the cambium, but in the sap wood as well, hence, 
the better union, the better result. Drive the scion 
down firmly but not with sufficient force to close 
the cells. Fill the space l)ack of the scion with rags 
or soft paper pressed in firmly, to al)sorb the sap, 
which wovdd otherwise fill this cavity and destroy 
the scion. In grafting limbs six or seven inches in 
diameter, put four or five scious into each. Wax 
over the ends of the stock and the scions also along 
the face of the latter in the cleft. Cut the scion so 
a bud will l)e on the face about the level of the limb. 
Always aim to get two good l)uds. One is better 
than three. If scions are ke{)t in good condition, 

[44] 



THE CLEFT GRAFT 



gi'at*liii*i' may coiitiiiue into ^lay, lung after the tree 
is in full leaf. However, do not cut back the tree 
as severely as may be done in early springtime. 

The test of any method is in the result. Our 
work being more successful when we cut out the 
cleft, than when the limb was split to insert the 
scion, we wished to knoAV the reason for the better 
result. 

Could it be possible that an improvement had 
been made on this method of our grandfathers? 
Securing a microscope of sufficient power to exam- 
in the cell and cell structure of the plant, we found 
an interesting field for study. The life zone of the 
tree is in the ends of rootlets and branches, and 
along the combium and sap wood. The dark heart 
wood (duramen) is dead. Neither life nor circula- 
tion is in it. The only benefit it is to the tree is to 
give it strength. 

The outer thick bark of the tree is also dead ; 
and clinging to the inner bark it protects the tree 
from heat and cold. The cambium of last year has 
divided. The inner portion forms the last ring 
growth of the wood, the outer becomes the inmost 
layer of the bark. This year's cambium is thrusting 
the double annual ring of cells between these two. 
Tn everv inch of the walnut there are more than 



[45] 



THE WALNUT 



two thousand of these cells. They may be likened 
to as many small tubes reaching from rootlet to the 
topmost bud of the tree. Their function is to con- 
vey the sap and to dej^osit the substances held in 
solution wherever required in the growth of the 
tree. 

Hence, using a scion one-half inch in diameter, 
one thousand or more of these tiny cells are cut ; 
while in splitting a branch and springing the parts 
to insert this scion, but few are broken, the vast 
number being bent aside. Should we expect the 
thousand mouths to get sufficient nourishment from 
the few broken ones? 

Cut out the cleft, opening up as many cells in 
the stock as in the scion, and note the result. In 
all of our work, whether on walnut, apple, pear, 
peach, plum, cherry, or even oak as stock for the 
chestnut we never split a limb too large for the 
splice graft. We are fully aware that in early 
springtime the bark parts easily from last year's 
growth, and some may think the sap flows readily 
around the stem ; but immediately the double row of 
cells, the one to form the bark and the other the 
wood's yearly growth begin to form. The sap flows 
upward thru these cells and life's mystery goes on. 
The mystery which we cannot comprehend, whether 



[ 46] 



GRAFT OLD TREES BY THE CLEFT METHOD 



in animal or vegetable life, had its origin in a cell, 
and continues by cell growth. We may modify it, 
create new varieties, but the Why, life's secret of 
the cell, is beyond our present knowledge. 

Graft Old Trees by the Cleft Method 

It is not difficult to graft over large trees, by in- 
serting the scions into the large limbs seven or 
eight inches in diameter. When this is done a 
branch should be left occasionally to draw the sap 
and to shade the grafts. Such limbs may be grafted 
the following season or cut out to give the full sap 
flow to the new growth. Suckers will grow on the 
old stock for two or three years. It requires much 
care to keep them pulled off. This should not be 
neglected, if the tree is to be converted into a pro- 
lific bearing tree of the English variety. 

The following illustration shows a stump twelve 
inches in diameter, four feet three inches high, 
oTafted into the English. Six grafts were put into 
the stump, five of which grew. The tree was grafted 
about the middle of April and the photo was taken 
the first of September. The growth to that date 
was thirteen feet, and the tree will doubtless make 
a growth of sixteen feet during the first year. 

[47 ] 



THE WALNUT 



Bark-Grafting 

The bark graft is but a method of l)udding a 
seion. It is sometimes inserted on the side of the 
stock and sometimes at the top where cut off. Cut 
the scion the lower part in form of a right angle so 
it will shoulder on the wood of the stock. ]\Iake 
the part to be inserted under the bark very thin, 
taking off nearly all of the wood; then trim the 
edge of the scion, taking off part of the ])ark in a 
slanting cut from the edge of l)oth sides to the cam- 
bium line. Slit the bark and lift it gently from the 
stock. Insert the scion, forcing it down firmly upon 
the wood stock. 

Sometimes the bark is corrugated and by using 
a small wedge it can be lifted out from the stock 
without splitting. The scion is inserted as before. 
This way makes a better union and the growing 
graft is not so easily blown out after the bandage 
is removed. 

Side Graft 

The side graft is not so difficult to insert. ITsing 
a small chisel cut tliru the bark into the wood at an 
angle of seventy-fiA^e or eighly degrees. Study the 
caml)ium and shape the scion to make as much as 

[48] 




Graft on Large Stump. 



THE WALNUT 



possible of its canibium to meet that of the stock. 
Drive the scion into the stock bnt not with snffi- 
cicnt force to close the cells. 

Wax carefully and tie a band around the stock 
below the scion to hold it in place. These methods 
are used when the stock is larger than the scion. 

Saddle-Graft 

Another excellent method, — modification of both 
the cleft and the splice, — used when stock and scion 
are of the same size, — is named the saddle-graft. 
When using this method we always cut the cleft in 
the stock. We get no better results ; but it is easier 
to make. Saw off the top, rip it down and cut out 
the cleft entirely thru the stock. If the work is 
on the ground, stand near, bend over the top and 
make a slanting cut down to the center of the stock. 
Change position and make a like incision on the 
other side. The top can now be lifted from the 
stock. Shape the scion to fit the cleft, — cambiums 
to meet; bind and wax. Care will give good results 
from this method. 

Any method which unites a great number of the 
cambium cells of the stock and the scion will meet 
with success, if the grafts are kept well waxed over. 

[ 50 ] 




Saddle Graft. 



THE WALNUT 



Budding 

TIkmh; are severnl methods of insertiii<^' buds. 
Some Vfineties of trees respond readily to any 
niclliod properly preformed. Other kinds — as in 
grafting- — are difficult to hud successfully. After 
the grafting season has i)assed — about the first 
of June, when buds have matured — you may use the 
new bud and get a fair growth during the present 
growing season. In order to force the growth, sever 
Uic budded l)i-an('h just above the first bud, over 
tlu^ l)ud inserted. ''I'liis calls for a continiK)us sap 
fb)W to tliat l)nd. 

To cut tile l)rancli below the bud, means to 
divert the flow of sap from the bud just put in. 
Nature has arranged the cells leading to every bud 
on the limb, and when the limb is severed just below 
a bud the circulation ceases at the next lower l)ud 
and the wood above soon dies. Better results are 
obtained by inserting the new bud on a bud in the 
stock, i. e., make the cross cut below a bud and slit 
the bark down thru this stock bud, raising the bark 
over this bud to insert the new one; which is to 
make the new top of the tree. The cells being 
arranged to convey the sap to this ])oint. the in- 
serted bud is soon healed in and growth ])egins, i. e., 
if the sap be allowed to flow uj) the sto(dv to a 



[ ■'"'•■^ ] 



THE SLIP BUD 



healthy bud above the one put in. However, if tlie 
branch be cut between the new l)ud and the tirst one 
above, the saj) will be diverted to the first bud below 
the one requiring- it, and the bud doubtless will die 
Always in cutting a branch above a bud, either to 
force the growth the same year when budded, or to 
start the growth in a dormant bud in early spring- 
time, cut above the first bud on tlie stock 
above the one ])ut in to make the tree; 
then after growth is well started cut off the stul) 
stock close to the young growth. It Avill soon heal 
over. Do not allow this stub to remain on the 
stock, as it soon dies and nmy injure the tree. Ob- 
serve this rule always, regardless of the method of 
budding used. 

The Slip Bud 

The sli]) ])ud as usually made has the T or cross 
cut at the top of tlu^ slit. By careful experiments 
we secured a greater percentage of growths when 
w^e made the cross cut at the bottom of the cut or 
slit. We account for the better result as in the cleft 
graft; the sap rising up thru the living bark cells, 
pass readily into the cells of the ])iece of inserted 
bark containing the bud. This should be made as 
broad as it can be iusiM'tcMl. and cut on the line of 

[ 5- ] 



THE WALNUT 



the cross cut, making a close joint. Cover with soft 
wax or bind with strips of waxed niu.slin, being 
careful to leave the bud uncovered so its growth 
will not be hindered.. 

Half Ring Bud 

Two cross cuts are made about one inch apart, 
and a slit severs the bark between them. A piece of 
bark is taken from a scion by making similar cross 
cuts to those in the stock. Make parallel slits on 
each side of the bud and in taking it from the scion 
be careful not to draw the germ from the bud. Lift 
the bark on one side and insert the knife, cutting 
out a thin segment of the sap wood. ]\Iake a slant- 
ing cut on each side of the bud, leaning the knife 
to the bud ; then lift the bark of the stock and insert 
this piece, joining the ends so the cambiums of the 
two jDarts meet. Press the stock bark down firmly; 
wax over the joints and bind with strip of waxed 
muslin, leaving the bud free. 

The wood cut out with the bud should be re- 
moved carefully, if the work is done late in the sea- 
son and buds are to remain dormant until spring ; 
but if the work is done in early summer to get 
growth the present year, the wood is soft and need 
not be removed, as it unites readily with the stock. 

[54] 




The Slip Bud. 



THE WALNUT 



Ring-Bud 

This method takes out an entire ring from the 
stock, and a similar ring of another variety con- 
taining a well developed bud is substituted. Bind 
as in the half ring method. The walnut can be 
budded very successfully by this method, in August ; 
the buds remaining dormant until spring, when the 
branch is severed above the bud to start the growth. 

Train Your Grafts 

Scions usually make rapid growth the first year. 
Being soft and pliable, they tend to bend down- 
ward. A strong stake should be set up by the tree 
and the growing branch tied with thick coarse 
band^s to the stake. 

Small cords tightly bound interfere with the 
circulation or sap flow and sometimes destroy the 
young growth above the point where tied. If the 
top bud grows in one stem without throwing out 
side branches enough to form a good head, pinch 
oif the top bud and side branches will soon grow 
out. Should one or more of these braiiches 
tend to make too nmch growth, thus destroying the 
synnnetry of the tree, innch the buds and a portion 
of the sap flow will be diverted into other limbs. 

[56] 




Half Ring Bud, 



THE WALNUT 



Many lateral buds will start into growth on the 
stalk below the graft ; these must be pulled off, since 
their growth retards that of the scion. 

Mingle Varieties in Grafting 

When grafting a nut orchard it is better to 
change the varieties in alternate rows, because trees 
thus arranged aid each the other in poUenation. A 
late rain might destroy or wash off all the pollen of 
one variety before the bloom is fertilized ; hence, 
the other trees whose staminates ripen later w^ould 
yield sufficient pollen to fertilize all trees. 

Do Not Graft Young Trees 

A tree should have a well formed root system 
before it is grafted, as it usually commences to bear 
nuts the second year. Young trees forced into bear- 
ing too early by being grafted too soon are dwarfed 
and never recover. For this reason we do not deal 
in grafted stock. Graft the tree when four years 
old and note the growth. A fine top with branches 
eight, twelve and often sixteen feet in length will 
grow the first year ; and yield from one to ten lbs. 
of choice nuts the second year after being grafted. 

To remove a tree after it has developed a fine 

[ 58 ] 




Ring Bud. 



THE WALNUT 



root system, means permanent injury. All of the 
i«^^mall rootlets which contain the microscopic months 
that drink sustenance for the tree are destroyed ; 
and the tree must grow other rootlets before growth 
in the stock can be renewed. 

Pruning 

It is not the custom of nut growers to prune the 
walnut tree to any great extent. However, our ex- 
perience has proven that it can be improved by 
careful pruning. Give to it, as to any other tree, a 
shapely appearance by proper pruning. If the tree 
be permitted to grow two or three large branches 
they are liable to split apart sometime when loaded 
with nuts, and the tree destroyed or its beauty 
effectually marred. 

Make the young tree grow in one strong central 
branch with well balanced limbs growing strong 
and upward. If trees are to be cultivated you want 
room beneath the branches. AVhen bearing a heavy 
nut crop branches bend beneath the weight: hence, 
great ,care should be taken in properly training the 
lower limbs. Cut back the limbs to fifteen or eight- 
een inches before the sap flow in early springtime, 
cutting beyond an u])per bud. Cutting back makes 

[ 00] 




Ring Bud. 



THE WALNUT 



the branch strong and cutting beyond an npper bud 
causes an upward growth. Always cut close to the 
bud and the wound will soon heal over. This rule 
should invariably be observed in trimming any kind 
of trees or even rose bushes. Circulation ceases 
with the growing bud and the part of the branch 
left beyond the bud dies, turns black and continues 
to die along down the stem below the bud. If at any 
time it is necessary to cut off a large limb, cut as 
closely as possible to the main branch, and paint or 
wax over the wound. It in time may heal over, thus 
preserving the wood and preventing decay. 

In early spring time before the buds have com- 
menced to swell is the best time to prune the walnut 
tree. However, if the trees are not pruned at this 
time, then wait until they are growing fast in May 
or the first of June. At this period the cambium 
cells are forming and being filled with protoplasm, 
and there is no danger of loss of sap or the trees 
bleeding. 

If a limb should be broken off, leaving an un- 
sightly appearance in the outline of the tree, it can 
be closed up by judicious pruning. To do this the 
branches nearest the break should be cut back in 
such a way that the buds will send out new branches 
to fill the break. Remember to cut just beyond a 



[62 ] 



BEARING QUALITIES 



strong- bud. If nuts sunburn from excessive heat, 
thicken the branches on the southwest by pinching 
off the end buds when the tree is in vigorous growth. 

Bearing Qualities 

The most i^rolific bearing trees are those grafted 
to the California black. Two noted trees are the 
Wolfskin and the Payne, each having yielded as 
many as seven hundred lbs. of nuts in a single year. 

The average yield for ten years from one large 
tree grafted fifteen years past has been three hun- 
dred and ninety-four 11)s. From the above we may 
form some estimate of the value of a large orchard — 
properly put out, and cared for — in the coming 
years. It will commence bearing the sixth year and 
increase rapidly thereafter. Give sufficient nour- 
ishment to the soil, and with proper cultivation trees 
will make wonderful growth. Comfort, shade, 
beauty and value are created; and while walking 
beneath the ever spreading branches, the spirit 
drinks from the fount of perennial youth. 

And besides the beauty of landscape there is the 
added value of food and timber. One large walnut 
tree has been sold for three thousand dollars. 



[ «3 ] 



THE WALNUT 



Harvesting 

The walnut usually drops from the hull, is gath- 
ered and given two or three washings in clear water, 
laid out on trays, dried and sacked for the market. 

Frecjuently the outer hull dries, clings to the 
nut and it is difficult to separate them. When this 
occurs, knock off the nuts upon a large sheet spread 
out under the tree. Dump them into a wagon, take 
them to the drying shed and shovel the nuts into a 
vat of water. Stir them briskly for a few minutes 
and they will part from the hulls. They should be 
washed two or three times in clear water and spread 
out on the dr3ang trays. Standing in the vat with 
the hulls, or permitting them to dry when taken out 
before washing, will give the nuts a dark stain. 
Wash the nuts in clear water as soon as they part 
from the hull. 

Nuts properly gathered need not be bleached, as 
this injures the nuts having open shells. Such nuts 
will not keep, as they soon become rancid. Nuts 
should remain on the trees until the outer hull is 
dry. They should not be gathered into piles, nor 
put into sacks while this hull clings to them ; they 
become soft, are very disagreeable to clean, besides 
the shells are stained and their market value injured. 

[64] 



THE WALNUT 



Value for Timber 

In most countries where the walnut grows the 
limber is very valuable for furniture, frames, gun- 
stocks, mantels, etc. More than a century past 
France passed a law prohibiting the exportation o£ 
walnut lumber. 

Yet in our own country, in Indiana, it had little 
or no value in the early settlement of the state. An 
encumbrance, cut down, rolled into log heaps and 
burned. One or two cuts of the finest trees split 
into rails. In boyl^ood many a noble tree have we 
seen thus disposed of in the valley of the Wabash. 
Today the lumber from similar trees would bring 
from two to three hundred dollars per thousand. 
The California walnut likewise makes very valuable 
lumber. The entire tree being gnarly, and when pol- 
ished it has a very pleasing effect. It makes valu- 
able veneers, the color a rich brown, but not so 
dark or heavy as the Eastern black. 

Value of Nuts 

As an investment walnut culture has many advan- 
tages over fruit raising. Trees do not recpiire so much 
care, cultivation, and pruning, and are free from 
insect pests. The walnut can be harvested with less 

■ [ 65 ] 



THE WALNUT 



expense than fruit and marketed at leisure. There 
is always a home market for it. ]\Iany years will 
elapse before the supply in our country will equal 
the demand. In hundreds of homes nuts are taking 
the place of meat, and the users are the healthier for 
the change. Nuts, nut cakes, nut hot cakes, blanch- 
ed walnuts, walnut and banana salad, nut and fruit 
salad, nut cabbage salad, mock turkey, roast duck, 
(vegetarian style), imperial nut roast, walnut loaf, 
walnut roast, walnut lentil patties, w^alnut lentils, 
lentil roast (with walnuts), bean and nut loaf, 
candy (with walnuts), fudge, nougat, panoche and 
divinity are some of the viands on many tables. It 
was w^ell named when called "The food of the 
Gods," this King of nuts. 

The Analysis of the Walnut 

Kernels 100 % 

Water 2.8 

Proteids 16.7 

Fat 64.4 

Carb 14.8 

Ash 1.3 



[66 ] 



THE WALNUT 



The knowledge gained from a study of this 
treatise will be valuable in raising nuts and fruits 
of all kinds raised in a temperate climate. 

All trees are subject to the same general laws; 
and will respond as does the walnut to Nature's 
method of propagation. The pomologist may change 
varieties in his orchards by grafting, and they will 
respond with a wealth of fruit which justifies the 
outlay and care. The life line is yearly renewed in 
every tree, and it is just as young in the tree that 
has withstood the storms of centuries as in the sap- 
ling of a single year. 

The heart wood alone is old. The living tree is 
always young ; and with sufficient moisture, contain- 
ing the elements necessary to growth it continues to 
expand. It is not possible to give rules to meet all 
conditions. There is a cause for every effect; and 
the orchardist must always be on the alert. Climate 
is influenced by latitude, elevation, nearness to the 
sea, direction of prevailing winds, amount of rain- 
fall, yicinity of mountains and ranges, etc., etc. 
Hence, the growing of orchards, and to be able to 
cope with the various conditions requires constant 
study and thought. But success is sure to come to 
the careful thoughtful grower. 



[ 67 ] 



THE WALNUT 



Grafting Wax 

The following forniii];i will uivo an oxr-ellont nnrl 
durable wax: 

Bees wax 1 lb. 

Boiled oil 1 pt. 

Resin 5 1 bs. 

Put all of the ingredients into a vessel over a 
slow" fire, and when dissolved pour the contents into 
a vat or tub of water. Work under the water until 
cool, then work the mass in the air until it is free 
from the water. One lb. of tallow may be used in- 
stead of the oil. If dark wax is desired lamp black 
may be added while cooking. If the Avax should be 
too soft, rendering it liable to melt and flow down 
the stock, add more resin. 



[ '-'8 ] 




THE 

CALIFORNIA 

BLACK 

IS the hardiest tree known. 
Will grow in any climate. 

We have in our Calaveras Nursery a 
limited number of these trees ready 
for tnis winter's planting. 

Prices on application. 



Th. Anderson-Price Nursery 
Company 

416 J STREET 
SACRAMENTO, . CALIFORNIA 



s 



cions or 



Graft 



For propaffatin^, by graftinff into the hardy California 
Black; we have the following choice varieties: Calave^^te. 
Franquette, Mayette, Hubbarfl, Stocktonian and Smith'n 
Favorite. 

MAYETTE, 



Kernel white and 
It will doubtless 
by careful selections of scions in 
grafted into alternate rows with 



French variety. I^ate bloomer, 
delicious. Considered a shy bearer 
ere long be improved 
grafting. Should be 
the Franquette. 

HUBBARD. 

A medium sized nut }ia\ing many characteristics of 
the pecan. Very noticeable pecan flavor, and shaped 
like the pecan. The tree is hardy and prolific. "J'he 
shell is well filled h»y the kernel. We studied this nut 
many years and have yet to see one injured by sun- 
burn or blight. 

CALAVETTE. 

Hybrid. Praeparturicn and Cant. Produced at 
Westpoint, Cal. Hardy and prolific. "Very large nut 
of excellent flavor. Requires rich soil. 

FRANQUETTE. 

Late blooming French variety. Hardy. Good bearer. 
Fine flavor. Suited to localities subject to late spring 
frosts. 

STOCKTONIAN. 

Vigorous tree immune from blight and sunburn. We 
have watched this tree for years and have never seen 
a crop failure. The nut is as large as the Franrjuette 
but more symmetrical and better filled. The outside hull 
is very thick, hence its protection from heat. Nuts with 
thick hulls do not sunburn. 

SMITH'S FAVORITE. 

Choice walnut piodufcd at AV'cstpoint, Cal. Mf-dium 
soft shell. Large nut. Full white kernel. Fine flavor. 
Cood bearer. Immune from blight and sunscald. By 
Thomas R. Smith of Westpoint, Cal. 

To be obtained at the Anderson-Price Nursery Co., 
Westpoint, Cal. 

For prices and further information apply to or 
address 

ANDERSON-PRICE NURSERY CO. 



416 J Street 



Sacramento, Cal. 



f 


n 


/ 


., 




MAYETTE 



FRANQUETTE 





HUBBARD 



CALAVETTE 



Grafting Wax 



Scientifically prepared and 
ready for use; also waxed 
grafting tape in any desired 
lengtli and width ready to 
apply. These preparations 
have been scientifically pre- 
pared after years of research 
and have never failed. The 
waxed tape comes in rolls 
of suitable widths, prepared 
for grafting and budding, also 
for binding up wounds on 
trees, etc., etc. : : 




^O 



For prices and info}ination 7vrite to 

Anderson-Price Nursery Co. 

416 J Street 



Sacramento, 



Calif. 



ornia 



Tke Anderson-Price 

NURSERIES 

at Sacramento, California, and at 
Westpoint, Calaveras County, Cal. 



We furnisH only one year old 
trees, the California Black for 
stock purpose. These trees are 
grown from hardy nuts raised 
in the cold Sierras at an eleva- 
tion of three thousand feet. 
We do not deal in grafted stock; 
hut we will contract to graft 
trees for any and all parties who 
may wish to let out their work. 

We also deal in scions, wax 
and waxed tape for grafting and 
hudding purposes: : : 



Jhl Anderson-Price Nursery 
Company 

416 J STREET 
SACRAMENTO. - CALIFORNIA 



Make money following "The Walnut" Book. $1 postpaid. 

General Value of Price s Book 

to Every Grower of 

Fruit Trees, 



The Method of Grafting 



prescribed by Mr. Price in bis treatise on tbe Walnut is 
tbe latest, most successlul and by all odds tbe most 
scientific. 



Further than this 



Tbe process for graltin^J tbe walnut is precisely tbe same 
as for grafting any oiber fruit tree. Tbere are no ex- 



ceptions. 

Therefore 



Price s book is invaluable to every grower of fruit trees, 
wbetber be be interested in walnut culture, or not. Be- 
cause tbe simple, succinct, and perfectly comprebensible 
directions for grafting are equally applicable to tbe 

Peach, Apple, Orange, Lemon, Plum, Pear, or 

any otber fruit tree wbatsoever. 

Tbe book is a mine of information on tbis subject and 
contains formulas for grafting wax and all necessary 
appurtenances. 



The success of the Price method of grafting is proved by 

actual practice. Over 90 per cent, of all 

cases have succeeded. 



Address E. M. PRICE, 416 J St., Sacramento, Cal. 



^OV 14» 1910 



^^^^^^^^^^^ 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




